Section 1 | Overview of the Process: The Importance of Primer Coating In the complete production workflow of a display mannequin, primer coating is the key step that marks the beginning of the surface-finishing stage. By applying a thin and even layer of primer onto the mannequin’s surface, the subsequent color coating can adhere more effectively. At the same time, this primer layer helps reveal subtle imperfections, making it easier to identify, correct, and refine problem areas. Although it may appear simple, primer coating forms the foundational layer that determines the final visual outcome. The uniformity, adhesion strength, and coverage ability of the primer will directly influence the saturation, smoothness, and texture of the final paint layer. Because of this, primer coating is one of the most crucial preliminary steps in the entire painting process.
Section 2 | Pre-Spray Preparation: The Key to Ensuring Proper Primer Adhesion Before primer spraying begins, the surface of the mannequin must be thoroughly inspected and cleaned. Workers first confirm that all previous procedures—such as sanding, patching, and refining—have been completed, and that no dents, scratches, or debris remain. Compressed air is then used to blow away dust, followed by wiping with a clean cloth to remove fine particles that may affect the coating result. This stage requires great patience and meticulous attention, as any residue left on the surface will become more visible after the primer is applied and may affect the texture of the subsequent paint layers. Proper surface preparation not only improves the adhesion of the primer but also ensures that the final paint coat will be smooth and even.
Section 3 | The Spraying Process: Technical Control from Atomization to Coverage Primer coating is applied using a professional spray gun, with workers carefully controlling air pressure, spray width, and distance. During spraying, the spray gun must maintain a stable distance from the surface and move at a consistent horizontal and vertical speed to ensure that the atomized primer falls evenly across the mannequin. The worker sprays section by section—from the head and shoulders to the torso and down to the arms and legs—avoiding missed spots or areas where the coating becomes too thick. As the primer is atomized and settles into a thin, uniform layer, the mannequin’s overall silhouette becomes smoother and more consistent. This stage is not only about coating the surface—it is also a “revealing stage,” allowing hidden irregularities to become visible for precise inspection and later refinement.
Section 4 | Detail Handling: Ensuring Full Coverage and Spray Quality Throughout the spraying process, the worker pays special attention to areas that are easy to overlook, such as underarms, neck transitions, finger gaps, and the backs of legs. If primer coverage in these areas is uneven, it can cause visible discrepancies during the final color coating, including differences in gloss, texture, or color density. To avoid this, the worker adjusts the spray angle or rotates the mannequin stand, ensuring that the spray reaches the model from every direction. After spraying is completed, the mannequin presents a uniform matte primer surface, making the contours clearer and the lines softer. A well-applied primer layer provides the best foundation for the next stages of fine sanding and color coating, ensuring the final product meets high visual and quality standards.
Section 5 | Curing and Inspection: Establishing the Standard for the Next Process Once spraying is finished, the mannequin is moved to a designated drying area, where it is left to cure naturally under controlled temperature and proper ventilation. This curing stage allows the primer to fully bond with the surface, forming a stable coating that will not peel, bubble, or detach during later painting. After the primer has completely dried, workers use inspection lamps to illuminate the surface from different angles, checking for uneven spray patterns, tiny pinholes, or small raised spots. If any issues are found, the mannequin undergoes an additional round of fine sanding to ensure the surface meets the highest standard before the color-coating stage. With this, the primer coating process is officially completed, laying a solid foundation for the upcoming stages of precision finishing and final presentation.
